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Woman’s Club experiences foreign cultures

The General Federation of Women’s Clubs-GFWC-WV Woman’s Club of Elkins met Tuesday in the First United Methodist Church’s Family Life Center and participated in an entire evening focused on “Cultures Around the World.”

After an inspiring message from Carolyn Capelli, the group enjoyed a full smorgasbord of foreign dishes, tasting spicy foods they had never eaten. The Davis & Elkins College Catering Service prepared the meal, which most described as “very good” and “interesting.”

The evening’s program, introduced by Second Vice-President Diana Kerr, was led by Lowe Del Aviles, a native Philippino and Davis & Elkins College’s International Student Liaison. She discussed with the group her role on campus, shared information about the Host Family Program, and encouraged the women’s continued involvement in the International Student Life Program at the College. The clubwomen had provided a welcoming reception earlier in the year with donated homemade cookies and punch as students began their studies at the institution.

During the presentation, information was presented by four students who shared insights about their native lands. Specifically, Pakistan, Saudi-Arabia, and Argentina were featured. There are 22 countries represented at the local college at this time. Some attend only for a semester and others hope to obtain their entire degrees from Davis and Elkins.

The women were instructed about these countries through maps, slide presentations and lecture, and got to experience native coffees and foods, which gave them a real flavor of these nationals’ daily lives.

The college’s advisor explained that her office tries to provide support to these visiting students on a daily basis and that she is able to provide a “home away from home” by opening her door to them every afternoon to visit, have hot drinks and snacks.

All remarked about how difficult it was to get used to the weather, since we have had such a cold, snowy winter. This appeared to be a real challenge to them, and demonstrated to the group how important adaptation skills are in dealing with new situations.

The Home Life Committee, led by Barbara Whritenour, discussed Relay for Life participation and noted 15 members had already committed themselves for the club’s team. A goal of $1,500 was set and the group is making plans to reach this mark.

Several club members will be going to the State Convention this month and will serve as State Committee chairmen, State Committee members and State Arts and Crafts competitors.

The next meeting will feature Lucy Swecker, who will discuss her “Fulbright Korea Experience” April l5. Any woman interested in attending a meeting to learn about the Woman’s Club and its community volunteer work may phone Membership Chairman Jane Lawson at 304-636-3510.

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